User-configurable waterproof camera case

ABSTRACT

A user-configurable waterproof camera case includes a housing for sealingly holding different models of camera therein, an actuating shaft extending through an opening of the housing, a probe-carrying member connected to an inner end of the actuating shaft, and an adjustable probe carried by the probe-carrying member at a position engageable with an on/off button or a shutter button of the camera.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/478,077, filed on Jun. 4, 2008.

FIELD OF PATENT APPLICATION

The present patent application relates to a user-configurable waterproofcamera case.

BACKGROUND

Conventional waterproof camera cases were designed to be used withdedicated cameras. There is a need to provide an improved waterproofcamera case which can be configured by users and can be used withdifferent models of cameras.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, there is provided a user-configurablewaterproof camera case including a housing for sealingly holdingdifferent models of camera therein; an actuating shaft extending throughan opening of the housing; an actuator block connected to an inner endof the actuating shaft; a first member slidably connected to theactuator block along a first axis generally perpendicular to an axis ofthe actuating shaft; a second member slidably connected to the firstmember along a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis;and an adjustable probe provided on the second member at a positionengageable with a button of the camera.

In one embodiment, the connection between the actuator block and thefirst member and the connection between the first and second members aregroove-and-protrusion connections. In another embodiment, the connectionbetween the actuator block and the first member and the connectionbetween the first and second members are slot-and-slider connections. Inone embodiment, the probe includes a threaded portion threadably engagedwith a nut for locking the probe in a fixed position relative to theactuator block. In one embodiment, each of the first and second membersis in the form of a sliding block.

In one embodiment, one of the actuator block and the first member isformed with a first groove, and the other one of the actuator block andthe first member is formed with a first protrusion slidably received inthe first groove; and one of the first and second members is formed witha second groove, and the other one of the first and second members isformed with a second protrusion slidably received in the second groove.The first and second grooves and protrusions may be generally in theshape of a trapezoid or generally T-shaped in cross section. Theactuator block and the second member may be generally H-shaped in crosssection.

In one embodiment, the actuator block is formed with two slots, and thefirst member is formed with two sliders hanging from and slidable alongthe two slots of the actuator block respectively. The first member isformed with a slot, and the second member is formed with a sliderhanging from and slidable along the slot of the first member.

In another embodiment, the actuator block is formed with two groovesalong two opposite sides thereof, and the first member is formed withtwo sliders hanging from and slidable along the two grooves of theactuator block respectively. The first member is formed with a slot, andthe second member is formed with a slider hanging from and slidablealong the slot of the first member.

According to another aspect, there is provided a user-configurablewaterproof camera case including a housing for sealingly holdingdifferent models of camera therein; an actuating shaft extending throughan opening of the housing; an actuator block connected to an inner endof the actuating shaft; a sliding member slidably connected to theactuator block along a first axis generally perpendicular to an axis ofthe actuating shaft; and a sliding probe slidably connected to thesliding member along a second axis generally perpendicular to the firstaxis, the probe being adjustable to a position engageable with a buttonof the camera.

In one embodiment, the actuator block is formed with two slots, and thesliding member is formed with two sliders hanging from and slidablealong the two slots of the actuator block respectively. The slidingmember is formed with a slot, and the sliding probe is formed with aslider hanging from and slidable along the slot of the sliding member.

In another embodiment, the actuator block is formed with two groovesalong two opposite sides thereof, and the sliding member is formed withtwo sliders hanging from and slidable along the two grooves of theactuator block respectively. The sliding member is formed with a slot,and the sliding probe is formed with a slider hanging from and slidablealong the slot of the sliding member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specific embodiments of the user-configurable waterproof camera casedisclosed in the present patent application will now be described by wayof example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a user-configurable waterproof camera caseaccording to an embodiment disclosed in the present patent application;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of an opened waterproof cameracase showing the interior of the front housing;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the front housing of the waterproof cameracase;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the waterproof camera case;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a shutter actuator assembly;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of an on/off actuator assembly;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the shutteractuator assembly;

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the shutter actuatorassembly in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a transverse cross sectional view of the shutter actuatorassembly in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the C-clamp showing the slot and the probeof the shutter actuator assembly in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the shutter and on/off actuator assembliesaccording to a further embodiment disclosed in the present patentapplication;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the on/off actuator assembly in FIG.11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the shutter actuator assembly in FIG.11;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the on/off actuator assembly in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the shutter actuator assembly in FIG. 13;

FIGS. 16-18 are fragmentary perspective views showing three differentpositions of the probes of the shutter and on/off actuator assemblies;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the shutter and on/off actuatorassemblies;

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the shutter and on/off actuator assembliesin FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the shutter andon/off actuator assemblies;

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the shutter and on/off actuator assembliesin FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 shows a plurality of back cushions provided at the rear housing;

FIG. 24 shows a frame-shape cushion provided at the rear housing;

FIG. 25 shows the top and side cushions provided at the front housing;

FIGS. 26-28 are perspective views showing three different positions ofthe probes of the shutter actuator assemblies of another embodiment;

FIGS. 29-31 are perspective views showing three different positions ofthe probes of the shutter actuator assemblies of a further embodiment;and

FIGS. 32-34 are perspective views showing three different positions ofthe probes of the shutter actuator assemblies of a further embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of theuser-configurable waterproof camera case disclosed in the present patentapplication, examples of which are also provided in the followingdescription. Exemplary embodiments of the user-configurable waterproofcamera case disclosed in the present patent application are described indetail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevantart that some features that are not particularly important to anunderstanding of the user-configurable waterproof camera case may not beshown for the sake of clarity.

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The word “left”, “right”, “upper”, “lower”,“top” or “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to whichreference is made. The terminology includes the words noted above aswell as derivatives thereof and words of similar import. In addition, asused herein, the term “button” refers to a shutter button or an on/offbutton of a camera.

Referring to the drawings in which like reference numerals representlike parts throughout the drawings, FIG. 1 is a front view of auser-configurable waterproof camera case 10 and FIGS. 2-3 show theinterior structure of the waterproof camera case 10 according to anembodiment disclosed in the present patent application. The waterproofcamera case 10 is a user configurable hard protective case suitable formost compact type cameras, especially for digital cameras. Theconfiguration can be changed in order to match different cameras ofdifferent sizes and with different locations of shutter button, on/offbutton and lens of different sizes and locations.

The camera case 10 can be used to protect the camera from water damagingthe electronic, mechanical and optical parts inside the camera. It canalso protect the camera against dust, sand and dirt. It can submergeinto water at a depth of up to 40 meters. It is suitable for most watersports and activities e.g. swimming, surfing, wind surfing, waterskating, yachting, snorkeling, water diving or under rain/snow phototaking.

The camera case 10 may include a front housing 12, a rear housing 14, acavity 16, a hinge 18, an on/off actuator assembly/mechanism 20, ashutter actuator assembly/mechanism 22, a right handle 24, a left handle26, feet 28, and a heel plate 30. The front and rear housing 12, 14 maybe made of plastic or other suitable materials. The interior of thecamera case 10 is large enough to accommodate different cameras ofdifferent sizes (width, height and thickness).

There are two major types of digital camera, namely round zoom lens typeand flat lens type. Therefore, at least two types of waterproof cameracase 10 may be designed in order to accommodate the two different typesof camera. A configurable waterproof compact digital camera case 10 forround zoom lens type is illustrated in FIG. 4. The lens cavity at thefront housing 12 allows the zoom lens of respective camera typeprotruding out from the camera body. Waterproof compact digital cameracase for flat lens type is similar to that for flat lens type, exceptthat the lens window design is different.

The front housing 12 can be considered as the main body of theconfigurable waterproof camera case 10. Most of the other components ofthe camera case 10 are contained in it or affixed to it, as shown inFIG. 2. The rear housing 14 has to match with the front housing 12. Itis normally transparent or with a transparent window. It can serve as a“cover” for the front housing 12 allowing the user to load the camera inthe camera case 10. The transparent rear housing 14 allows the user toview the object to be photo taken on the camera display on the digitalcameras inside the camera case 10. One end of the rear housing 14 may beattached with the hinge 18 connecting to the front housing 12, while theother end of the rear housing 14 may be attached with a lock mechanism.A conventional O-ring gasket may be placed between the front and rearhousing 12, 14 in order to seal the camera case 10.

FIGS. 5-6 show a first embodiment of the on/off actuator mechanism 120and the shutter actuator mechanism 122 respectively.

Referring to FIG. 6, the shutter actuator mechanism or assembly 122 canbe provided at the front housing 12 of the camera case 10. This is toallow the user to control the shutter of the camera from outside of thecamera case 10 through a spring-loaded actuator shaft 140.

The actuator shaft 140 extends through an opening provided on the cameracase 10. An inner end of the actuator shaft 140 is located inside thecamera case 10 and an outer end of the actuator shaft 140 is locatedoutside the camera case 10. The actuator shaft 140 may be provided witha shutter knob or button 142 at the outer end of the actuator shaft 140.The shutter knob 142 can be made of plastic or metal materials. Theactuator shaft 140 may be installed with a spring 144, a washer 146 anda little o-ring gasket 148 in the front housing 12. The purpose of thespring 144 is to give a “bounce back” force to the shutter actuatormechanism 122, so the shutter actuator mechanism 122 can move back toits original position when the shutter knob 142 is released. The purposeof the washer 146 is to hold the o-ring gasket 148 preventing it frommoving up. The o-ring gasket 148 may be circular in cross section. Itcan be made of elastic material, such as rubber, silicone or plastic.The purpose of the o-ring gasket 148 is to seal and prevent water fromflowing into the camera case 10 while the shutter actuator mechanism 122is being pushed and released. The o-ring gasket 148 may have a smallerinner diameter than the diameter of the actuator shaft 140 when theo-ring gasket 48 is fitted at a shutter o-ring cavity. When the actuatorshaft 140 is inserted into the ring, the o-ring gasket 148 can bedeformed and pushed against both the actuator shaft 140 and the shuttero-ring cavity at the front housing 12. Therefore, it can perform watersealing function. The gasket 148 may be lubricated with sealing compoundfor better sealing performance.

The shutter actuator mechanism 122 may include a probe-carrying member.In the illustrated embodiment, the probe-carrying member is an actuatorblock 150. The actuator block 150 can be a rectangular block or in othershape with multiple holes on it. The actuator block 150 can be made ofplastic or metal. The actuator block 150 may have one hole 180 on oneside with a larger diameter on the top and a small diameter furtherdown, with which the actuator block 150 can be installed with theactuator shaft 140 by pinching it into this hole 180. The actuator shaft140 may have one step smaller diameter near the end of the actuatorshaft 140, so that the actuator shaft 140 can stop there. The actuatorshaft 140 can then be locked to the actuator block 150 by installing alocking member 154 through an opening 155 to a corresponding groove onthe actuator shaft 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the lockingmember is an E-ring. While the shutter knob 142 is pushed, the actuatorblock 150 moves downwards. The front housing 12 may be provided with awall at one end of the actuator block 150 for preventing the actuatorblock 150 from rotating regardless of its vertical position.

The actuator block 150 can be provided with a plurality of probes 160 ofdifferent lengths and shapes (round, oval, etc.) at different holes 162on the actuator block 150 in order to match different cameras ofdifferent models. Each probe 160 may be provided with a probe shaft 164at the end and can be press fitted in the holes 162 on the actuatorblock 150. Either the manufacturers or users can make changes on theseprobes by themselves.

Referring to FIG. 5, an on/off actuator mechanism or assembly 120 isalso provided at the top of the camera case 10 allowing the user toswitch the camera on or off. The mechanism of the on/off actuatorassembly 120 can be the same as the shutter actuator mechanism 122described above. The on/off actuator mechanism 120 can also be providedwith probes 160′ of different lengths and shapes at different holes 162′on the actuator block 150′ in order to match different camera modelssimilar to the shutter actuator mechanism 122. Either the manufacturersor users can make changes on these probes by themselves.

Although it has been shown that the actuator block 150 or 150′ is in theform a generally square block, it is understood that the actuator block150 or 150′ can be a probe-carrying member in any possible form so longas it can carry the probe 160 or 160′.

FIGS. 7-10 show another embodiment of the shutter actuator mechanism. Acorresponding on/off actuator mechanism has a similar structure. Theshutter actuator mechanism 222 may include actuator shaft 240, shutterknob 242, spring 244, washer 246, o-ring gasket 248, probe-carryingmember 270, slide 272, locking block 274, probe shaft 276 and probe pad278. In the illustrated embodiment, the probe-carrying member 270 is anactuator block, and the slide 272 is a C-clamp.

The actuator block 270 may be in the form of a rectangular block or inother shapes with tracks on both sides. The actuator block 270 can bemade of plastic or metal. The actuator block 270 has one hole 280 on oneside with a larger diameter on the top and a small diameter furtherdown, with which the actuator block 270 can be installed with theactuator shaft 240 by pinching it into this hole 280. The actuator shaft240 may have one step smaller diameter near the end of the actuatorshaft 240, so that the actuator shaft 240 can stop there. The actuatorshaft 240 can then be locked to the actuator block 270 by fixing alocking member or an E-ring 254 through an opening 273 to a lower end ofthe actuator shaft 240. While the shutter knob 242 is pushed, theactuator block 270 moves downwards. The front housing 12 may be providedwith a wall 257 at one end of the actuator block 270 for preventing theactuator block 270 from rotating regardless of its vertical position.

The C-clamp 272 may be installed in a way that it hangs from the twotracks of the actuator block 270. The C-clamp 272 can be made of stiffmaterials, such as metal. It can move freely in an X direction along theactuator block 270 when the C-clamp 272 is not locked. The C-clamp 272can move in the X direction or along an X axis on a plane generallyperpendicular to an axis of the actuator shaft 240.

A nut or locking block 274 may be placed in between the actuator block270 and the C-clamp 272. There is a screw hole at the locking block 274which allows the probe shaft 276 to screw in from the bottom through aslot 282 of the C-clamp 272. The probe shaft 276 can be made of metal orother suitable materials. It is machined with screw thread on the upperportion and a hexagonal bolt or other shaped bolt in the middle. Theprobe shaft 276 can move in a Y direction freely along the slot 282 ofthe C-clamp 272 when it is not locked. The Y direction is generallyperpendicular to the X direction. A web 284 of the C-clamp 272 can holdthe locking block 274 from turning. The web 284 can also strengthen theC-clamp 272 and prevent it from being bent. When the probe shaft 276 isinstalled, the probe shaft 276 can be moved freely in the X or Ydirection. If the probe shaft 276 screws further in, the locking block274 will be pulling the C-clamp 272 against the actuator block 270, thusintroducing friction force between the actuator block 270, the C-clamp272, the locking block 274 and the probe shaft 276. The probe shaft 276will then be locked at a fixed position relative to the actuator block270. The design allows the probe shaft 276 to be positioned at anylocation with no increment along the actuator block 270 and the slot 282of the C-clamp 272. Different camera may need to use probe shafts 276 ofdifferent lengths available with the product. The manufacturers or userscan make changes of the probe shafts by themselves.

The probe pad 278 may be made of an elastic material with differentshapes that may match the shape of the button of the camera. It can beinstalled at the bottom end of the probe shaft 276 facing the camera forpressing the button of the camera and preventing the shaft 276 fromscratching the camera button surface. The probe pad 278 can easily beinstalled by pushing the probe pad 278 against the probe shaft 276. Itcan be self-locked by a gap on the probe shaft 276.

FIGS. 11-15 show a combined shutter actuator mechanism 322 and on/offactuator mechanism 320 according to a further embodiment disclosed inthe present patent application.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 15, the shutter actuator mechanism 322 mayinclude actuator shaft 340, shutter knob 342, spring 344, washer 346,o-ring gasket 348, probe-carrying member 370, slide 372, probe shaft 376and probe pad 378. In the illustrated embodiment, the probe-carryingmember 370 is an actuator block, and the slide 372 is a C-clamp.

The actuator block 370 may be in the form of a rectangular block or inother shapes with opposite parallel tracks 371 on both sides. Theactuator block 370 can be made of plastic or metal. The actuator block370 may have one hole 380 on one side with a larger diameter on the topand a small diameter further down, with which the actuator block 370 canbe installed with the actuator shaft 340 by pinching it into this hole380. The actuator shaft 340 may have one step smaller diameter near theend of the actuator shaft 340, so that the actuator shaft 340 can stopthere. The actuator shaft 340 can then be locked to the actuator block370 by inserting a locking member or an E-ring 354 into an opening 373,engaging the E-ring 354 into a corresponding groove on the shaft 340,and locking the actuator shaft 340 in the hole 380. While the shutterknob 342 is pushed, the actuator block 370 moves downwards. The fronthousing 12 may be provided with a wall 357 (FIGS. 11 and 16-18) at oneend of the actuator block 370 for preventing the actuator block 370 fromrotating regardless of its vertical position.

The C-clamp 372 may be installed in a way that it hangs from the twoopposite parallel tracks 371 of the actuator block 370. The C-clamp 372can be made of stiff materials, such as metal. It can move freely in theX direction along the actuator block 370 when the C-clamp 372 is notlocked.

The probe shaft 376 may be made of metal or other suitable materials. Itis machined with screw thread on an upper portion and a hexagonal boltor other shaped bolt in the middle. The probe shaft 376 can move in theY direction freely along a slot 382 of the C-clamp 372 when it is notlocked. When the probe shaft 376 is installed, the probe shaft 376 canbe moved freely in the X or Y direction. If the probe shaft 376 screwsfurther in, it bears against the actuator block 370. The probe shaft 376can then be locked at a fixed position relative to the actuator block370. The design allows the probe shaft 376 to be positioned at anylocation with no increment along the actuator block 370 and the slot 382of the C-clamp 372. Different cameras may need to use probe shafts 376of different lengths available with the product. The manufacturers orusers can make changes by themselves.

The probe pad 378 is an elastic material with different shapes that maymatch the shape of the button of the camera. It can be installed at thebottom end of the probe shaft 376 for the pressing the button of thecamera and preventing the shaft 376 from scratching the camera buttonsurface. The probe pad 378 can easily be installed by pushing the probepad 378 against the probe shaft 376. It can be self-locked by a gap onthe probe shaft 376.

Although it has been shown that the actuator block 370 is generally inthe form a square block, it is understood that the actuator block 370can be a probe-carrying member in any possible form so long as it cancarry the probe shaft 376.

The on/off actuator mechanism 320 in FIGS. 12 and 14 has a similarstructure as the shutter actuator mechanism 322 in FIGS. 13 and 15.

FIGS. 16-18 show three different configurations of the shutter actuatormechanism 322 and on/off actuator mechanism 320 for different cameraswith different locations of the shutter and on/off buttons.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show a different embodiment of the shutter actuatormechanism 322 and on/off actuator mechanism 320. In this embodiment, thetwo actuator blocks 370, 370′ and the two C-clamps 372, 372′ are bothoriented at 90 degrees with respect to the previous embodiment. FIGS. 21and 22 show a further embodiment of the shutter actuator mechanism 322and on/off actuator mechanism 320 in which the two actuator blocks 370,370′ and the two C-clamps 372, 372′ are oriented at 90 degrees from eachother.

In order to allow different sizes of camera to be fitted inside thecamera case 10, a plurality of cushions of different shapes and sizesmay be provided on the inner surfaces of the front and rear housings 12,14.

As depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner surfaces of the front housing 12may include a few setoffs where front cushions 34 can be attached tothese setoffs. The cushions 34 can be round or other shapes and may bemade of soft or elastic material, e.g. rubber, silicone, plastic orlatex. The cushions 34 can have water resistance self-adhesive materialson the bottom side thereof. The cushions 34 can be installed easily intothe setoffs simply by removing the wax paper and attached the cushions34 to the housing 12 by applying some pressure on them. The cushions canhave different thicknesses. The purpose of different thicknesses is toposition the camera in an optimum distance from the front housing 12within the cavity 16 of the camera case 10. In addition, the camera canbe positioned such that the shutter button and/or the on/off button fallwithin the shutter and on/off actuator mechanisms of the waterproofcamera case 10.

FIG. 23 shows a plurality of back cushions 134 which are made of softmaterial, such as sponge, silicone, latex or plastic, and can beattached on the inner surface of the rear housing 14. The cushions 134can be round, square, or some other shapes. It is use to press thecamera in place to the front housing 12 preventing the camera frommoving inside the camera case 10.

FIG. 24 shows another embodiment of a back cushion 136. The back cushion136 can be in the shape of a generally rectangular frame. The window ofthe frame can be of the same size as the display of the camera, so itcan act as a light hood for the camera display eliminating externallight from affecting the display while viewing the camera displaythrough the rear housing 14.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 25, there are other locations with cushionsholders for holding elastic cushions 36 to keep the camera in place.These cushions 36 are made of elastic material and may have a “fishtail” shape. These cushions 36 may be held in position by the cushionholders.

FIGS. 26-28 show another embodiment of the shutter actuator mechanism222. The shutter actuator mechanism 222 may include an actuator shaft240, a shutter knob 242, an actuator block 290, a first member 292 whichcan be moved along a Y axis, a second member 294 which can be movedalong an X axis, and an adjustable probe 296.

The actuator block 290 may be in the form of a rectangular block or inother shapes. A first protrusion 291 may be formed at the bottom of theactuator block 290. A first groove 293 may be formed on the top of thefirst member 292. The first protrusion 291 can be slidably received inthe first groove 293. The actuator block 290 and the first member 292can be slidably connected together. The cross-section of the firstprotrusion 291 and the first groove 293 can be generally in the shape atrapezoid such as an isosceles trapezoid.

The first member 292 may be installed in a way that it can hang from thefirst protrusion 291 of the actuator block 290. The first member 292 canmove freely in the Y direction along the first protrusion 291 of theactuator block 290 when the first member 292 is not locked. The firstmember 292 can move in the Y direction or along the Y axis on a planegenerally perpendicular to an axis of the actuator shaft 240.

A second groove 295 may be formed on the bottom of the first member 292.A second protrusion 297 may be formed on the top of the second member294. The cross section of the second groove 295 and the secondprotrusion 297 may be generally in the shape of a trapezoid such as anisosceles trapezoid. The second member 294 may be installed in a waythat the second protrusion 297 can be slidably received in the secondgroove 295 of the first member 292, and the second protrusion 297 canhang from the second groove 295 of the first member 292. The secondmember 294 can move freely in the X direction along the groove 295 ofthe first member 292 when the second member 294 is not locked. Thesecond member 294 can move in the X direction or along the X axis on aplane generally perpendicular to the Y axis.

The adjustable probe 296 may be provided on the second member 294. Theprobe 296 can move together with the second member 294. The position ofthe probe 296 can be adjusted. The probe 296 can engage at a positionwith a button of the camera.

The first and second members 292, 294 may take the form of a slidingblock generally rectangular in shape. The first and second grooves andprotrusions 291, 293, 295, 297 may be formed integrally on the actuatorblock 290 and the first and second members 292, 294. Although it hasbeen shown and described that the first protrusion 291 and the firstgroove 293 are formed on the actuator block 290 and the first member 292respectively, it is understood that the first protrusion 291 can beformed on the first member 292 and the first groove 293 can be formed onthe actuator block 290 instead. Similarly, the second protrusion 297 canbe formed on the first member 292 and the second groove 295 can beformed on the second member 294.

The actuator block 290, the first and second members 292, 294 and theprobe 296 may be made of plastic, metal or other suitable materials.

FIGS. 29-31 show a further embodiment of the shutter actuator mechanism222. The shutter actuator mechanism 222 may include an actuator shaft240, a shutter knob 242, an actuator block 290, a first member 292, asecond member 294 and an adjustable probe 296.

The actuator block 290 may be in the form of a rectangular block or inother shapes. A first protrusion 291 may be formed at the bottom of theactuator block 290. A first groove 293 may be formed on the top of thefirst member 292. The first protrusion 291 can be slidably received inthe first groove 293. The actuator block 290 and the first member 292can be slidably connected together. The cross-section of the firstprotrusion 291 and the first groove 293 can be generally T-shaped. Thecross section of the actuator block 290 can be generally H-shaped.

The first member 292 may be installed in a way that it can hang from thefirst protrusion 291 of the actuator block 290. The first member 292 canmove freely in the Y direction along the first protrusion 291 of theactuator block 290 when the first member 292 is not locked. The firstmember 292 can move in the Y direction or along the Y axis on a planegenerally perpendicular to an axis of the actuator shaft 240.

A second groove 295 may be formed on the bottom of the first member 292.A second protrusion 297 may be formed on the top of the second member294. The cross section of the second groove 295 and the secondprotrusion 297 may be generally T-shaped. The cross section of thesecond member 294 can be generally H-shaped. The second member 294 maybe installed in a way that the second protrusion 297 can be slidablyreceived in the second groove 295 of the first member 292, and thesecond protrusion 297 can hang from the second groove 295 of the firstmember 292. The second member 294 can move freely in the X directionalong the groove 295 of the first member 292 when the second member 294is not locked. The second member 294 can move in the X direction oralong the X axis on a plane generally perpendicular to the Y axis.

The adjustable probe 296 may be provided on the second member 294. Theprobe 296 can move together with the second member 294. The position ofthe probe 296 can be adjusted. The probe 296 can engage at a positionwith a button of the camera.

The first and second members 292, 294 may take the form of a slidingblock generally rectangular in shape. The first and second T-shapedgrooves and protrusions 291, 293, 295, 297 may be formed integrally onthe actuator block 290 and the first and second members 292, 294.Although it has been shown and described that the first protrusion 291and the first groove 293 are formed on the actuator block 290 and thefirst member 292 respectively, it is understood that the firstprotrusion 291 can be formed on the first member 292 and the firstgroove 293 can be formed on the actuator block 290 instead. Similarly,the second protrusion 297 can be formed on the first member 292 and thesecond groove 295 can be formed on the second member 294.

FIGS. 32-34 show yet another embodiment of the shutter actuatormechanism 222. The shutter actuator mechanism 222 may include anactuator shaft 240, a shutter knob 242, an actuator block 290, a slidingmember 292 and a sliding probe 296.

The actuator block 290 may be in the form of a rectangular block or inother shapes. The actuator block 290 may be formed with two slots 390.The sliding member 292 may be formed with two sliders 490 hanging fromand slidable along the two slots 390 of the actuator block 290respectively. The sliding member 292 can move freely in the Y directionalong the two slots 390. The sliding member 292 can move in the Ydirection or along the Y axis on a plane generally perpendicular to anaxis of the actuator shaft 240.

The sliding member 292 may be formed with a slot 392. The sliding probe296 may be formed with a slider 492 hanging from and slidable along theslot 392 of the sliding member 292. The sliding probe 296 can slidefreely in an X direction along the slot 392. The probe 296 can engage ata position with a button of the camera.

The actuator block 290, the sliding member 292 and the sliding probe 296may be made of plastic, metal or other suitable materials

While the user-configurable waterproof camera case disclosed in thepresent patent application has been shown and described with particularreferences to a number of preferred embodiments thereof, it should benoted that various other changes or modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the appending claims.

1. A user-configurable waterproof camera case comprising: a housing forsealingly holding different models of camera therein; an actuating shaftextending through an opening of the housing; an actuator block connectedto an inner end of the actuating shaft; a first member slidablyconnected to the actuator block along a first axis generallyperpendicular to an axis of the actuating shaft; a second memberslidably connected to the first member along a second axis generallyperpendicular to the first axis; and an adjustable probe provided on thesecond member at a position engageable with a button of the camera. 2.The user-configurable waterproof camera case as claimed in claim 1,wherein the connection between the actuator block and the first memberand the connection between the first and second members aregroove-and-protrusion connections.
 3. The user-configurable waterproofcamera case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection between theactuator block and the first member and the connection between the firstand second members are slot-and-slider connections.
 4. Theuser-configurable waterproof camera case as claimed in claim 1, whereineach of the first and second members is in the form of a sliding block.5. The user-configurable waterproof camera case as claimed in claim 1,wherein one of the actuator block and the first member is formed with afirst groove, and the other one of the actuator block and the firstmember is formed with a first protrusion slidably received in the firstgroove; and wherein one of the first and second members is formed with asecond groove, and the other one of the first and second members isformed with a second protrusion slidably received in the second groove.6. The user-configurable waterproof camera case as claimed in claim 5,wherein the first and second grooves and protrusions are generally inthe shape of a trapezoid in cross section.
 7. The user-configurablewaterproof camera case as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first andsecond grooves and protrusions are generally T-shaped in cross section.8. The user-configurable waterproof camera case as claimed in claim 1,wherein the actuator block and the second member are generally H-shapedin cross section.
 9. The user-configurable waterproof camera case asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator block is formed with two slots,and the first member is formed with two sliders hanging from andslidable along the two slots of the actuator block respectively.
 10. Theuser-configurable waterproof camera case as claimed in claim 9, whereinthe first member is formed with a slot, and the second member is formedwith a slider hanging from and slidable along the slot of the firstmember.
 11. The user-configurable waterproof camera case as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the actuator block is formed with two grooves along twoopposite sides thereof, and the first member is formed with two slidershanging from and slidable along the two grooves of the actuator blockrespectively.
 12. The user-configurable waterproof camera case asclaimed in claim 11, wherein the first member is formed with a slot, andthe second member is formed with a slider hanging from and slidablealong the slot of the first member.
 13. The user-configurable waterproofcamera case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the probe comprises athreaded portion threadably engaged with a nut for locking the probe ina fixed position relative to the actuator block.
 14. A user-configurablewaterproof camera case comprising: a housing for sealingly holdingdifferent models of camera therein; an actuating shaft extending throughan opening of the housing; an actuator block connected to an inner endof the actuating shaft; a sliding member slidably connected to theactuator block along a first axis generally perpendicular to an axis ofthe actuating shaft; and a sliding probe slidably connected to thesliding member along a second axis generally perpendicular to the firstaxis, the probe being adjustable to a position engageable with a buttonof the camera.
 15. The user-configurable waterproof camera case asclaimed in claim 14, wherein the actuator block is formed with twoslots, and the sliding member is formed with two sliders hanging fromand slidable along the two slots of the actuator block respectively. 16.The user-configurable waterproof camera case as claimed in claim 15,wherein the sliding member is formed with a slot, and the sliding probeis formed with a slider hanging from and slidable along the slot of thesliding member.
 17. The user-configurable waterproof camera case asclaimed in claim 14, wherein the actuator block is formed with twogrooves along two opposite sides thereof, and the sliding member isformed with two sliders hanging from and slidable along the two groovesof the actuator block respectively.
 18. The user-configurable waterproofcamera case as claimed in claim 17, wherein the sliding member is formedwith a slot, and the sliding probe is formed with a slider hanging fromand slidable along the slot of the sliding member.
 19. Theuser-configurable waterproof camera case as claimed in claim 14, whereinthe probe comprises a threaded portion threadably engaged with a nut forlocking the probe in a fixed position relative to the actuator block.